In June 2024, I left my hometown of Vankleek Hill, Ontario, Canada, to travel the world in a quest for new experiences. For months I had been trapped in the routine of work and sleep, the days forever repeating, my body aging, and my mind stagnating. I had taken the habit of going for long walks in the countryside, seeking a place to think and reflect on my life. During these daily meditations, I came to the conclusion that I needed to quit my job, and do the thing I love most: travelling – and I had no time to waste.
As human beings, we all have a set number of years on this earth. We are sometimes able to do things in the present to add a few years to our livespans – eating good food, exercising and developing healthy habits. However, there is one universal truth that touches all humans, regardless of social status, creed and skin colour: death. No matter how much we try to escape it, it will always catch up to us in the end.
In a way, my decision to leave the comfort of my home and hit the road was influenced by this ever present fear that affects all human beings. I did not want to spend my life regretting the things I hadn’t done, knowing I had wasted time doing things I didn’t want to do. There is only so much sacrificing one can do for a better future – the present will always be the only state of existence. I could only find happiness abiding by the rules and values I set for myself.